Defendant Sentenced to Life for Sexual Assault, Kidnapping Charges

The Honorable Kevin McCormick sentenced Joseph Lee Bonderer to 100 years to life in prison. On June 9, 2016, a jury convicted Bonderer of two kidnapping charges and multiple sexual assault charges, including rape and sodomy. The jury also found true that Bonderer kidnapped and transported the victim to commit the sexual assaults – a one strike allegation.

On October 30, 2013, the victim was in her car and about to leave the Walmart parking lot on Greenback Lane when Bonderer forced entry into her car. He pointed something in the victim’s direction under his shirt and told her to do everything he demanded or he would kill her. After forcing the victim to drive to a dark desolate field area in Placer County, he raped, sodomized, and digitally penetrated her. Bonderer then ordered the victim to drop him off at the Walmart where he first kidnapped her.

Sacramento Sheriff's deputies and detectives canvassed the vicinity. Employees at a bar across the street from Walmart disclosed that Bonderer had been inside the bar just moments before the incident. Walmart surveillance video showed Bonderer loitering in the parking for at least 30 minutes before the assault. He followed at least two other women before finally choosing to attack the victim.